A Horse Named Stranger

I am with DMC on this one. There are better ways for you to come out as a Republican than with a Red Elephant thong. Yes, I am assuming this was a political statement better placed in the US politics thread. No, not going in the other direction with that.

determined to prove me wrong put Abasov in his place. Caruana Gukesh ended in a draw. More significantly Nakamura managed to take down Pragg Vidit - Nepo is the last game running. I think Nepo is betterish, at least position feels easier to play with just pushing the a-pawn as the clear plan to make progress. This feels like playing for two results, as I can't see a way for black to lose this. If Nepo wins, this would end Vidit's hopes to win the candidates, it would also pretty much be the end for Pragg this year, and add pressure on Caruana to take more risks.

But he really needed that World Cup to finally step out of Diego's shadow. A bit harshly put, without it, he would've been the most successful of the not quite Maradona. It also finally shut down those blinkered fanboys, who thought that C. Ronaldo was his equal.

Tbf, GS have a fairly good record at develoing talent. Wiseman was just unlucky with his injuries. Injuries are obviously part of a pro career in sport. But the injuries really hampered his career/development.

Nah, just because he has played for Chelsea doesn't mean Rüdiger is as shit as John Terry.

PG, if City go out, we can laugh at Silva for that Penalty.

Talking about footballers at retirement age. Modric

In other news. Hasebe will be calling it quits at the end of the season at the tender age of 40. He has been in the Bundesliga since January '08 and has won his fair share of silverware despite never playing for Bayern. Bundesliga Champions with Wolfsburg, Cup winners with Frankfurt, EL winners with Frankfurt. He will stay with Frankfurt as part of their coaching team.

Yeah, but Real still being able to counter punch. With Arsenal's exit, I think Real are pretty much the sole team left to stop City.

Real - City has been a cracking tie tbh. First leg would've been a final for the ages.

What Plessiez said. Vidit is trailing, but not hopelessly. If he gets on a late run with 2-3 wins, he could win it. Unfortunately for him, he can't play Nakamura again. Talking about Naka, I am still opposed to the idea of him becoming World Champion. I found the idea of him playing a title match absurd last time, and that was thwarted by a normal performing Ding in the last round. And given Ding's form, there's a very fair chance, that whoever wins the candidates will win the title. I haven't checked today's games, yet. But Firouzja looked like to be heading towards tilt territory in the last round (I wasn't entirely convinced by his f5 push). He might very well finish behind Abasov, who was really there to serve as the designated whipping boy.

After the red card for Xavi the wheels really came off at Barca. Anyway, as for the CL. Am I the only one in the anyone, but PSG camp?

Is Barca now completely falling apart? It feels like it. Füllkrug put Dortmund back ahead (and levelled the aggregate). Edit: Sabitzer put Dortmund back into the driver's seat. That tie isn't over.

And Atletico back in the driver's seat.

Oh ffs, Hummels.

I'd think replacing those plain windows with something more fancy also runs the risk of changing the character of Notre Dame. As you said, they are not highlight, so adding them as an eyecatcher, I'd argue that changes the character of the building.

I have Grimaldo as definite sale in my mental notes. He has quite openly flirted with the idea of going to Real or even rejoining Barca a couple of months ago. If Bayern can't extend with Davies (and thus he gets sold off in the summer, which looks like the more likely outcome atm), then Grimaldo is rumoredly their top target to replace him. Grimaldo is now 28 iirc, so in his best footballing age, and this is arguably his best chance to get a big payday somewhere. So if the Spanish heavyweights, Bayern or a good EPL club comes around with their chequebook, he will be off.

Meanwhile Dortmund are up against Atletico.

I'm more in the traditionalist camp there (even if I admittedly have no horse in this race). Notre Dame is a historical landmark, so it should remain as original as possible.

Witz, yes. But 1-2 other players (*cough* Grimaldo *cough*) might very well be sold off, for big bucks to bring in new faces. I mentioned a few times, that there are a few real gems. Grimaldo is arguably the player of the year in Germany. Boniface has looked extremely impressive, if you are in the market for a very complete forward. Tapsoba and Koussounou are young quality CBs. As for other key pillars, Tah has finally managed to take that one step into elite status and he has been the commanding figure in their defense.

I think the testing requirement isn't as high as it used to be. Computer simulations will go a very long way. You might want a to do a test, to make sure it works as designed. But I'd argue you could get to a functioning bomb without a live test nowadays.

Would be better if MAGA Mike was not such despicable creature. But finding a somewhat palatable law maker in the House, who has the ability to become speaker. Let's just say, finding a(nother) planet with intelligent life in our lifetime presumably doesn't have that much worse odds.

The Fortress (Norwegian series) was really enjoyable. Gets a hoof up.

I am super impressed with the Indian faction in this tournament. They really went there with a purpose and were involved in the most interesting games.

Wagner is really not my cup of tea. I am not opposed to opera in general. Puccini, brilliant. Mozart, fine. But Wagner's music is lenghty, self-indulgent trash, and we are not even talking about his, let's say political beliefs.